By Mark Messina, PhD, MS, The U.S. Food Allergen Labeling & Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates labeling of all ingredients derived from commonly allergenic foods. In the U.S., 8 foods, commonly referred to as the Big 8, have been identified as the most frequent human food allergens; accounting for 90% of food allergic reactions among Americans. These foods are milk, eggs, fish, crustacea, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. However, the prevalence of allergy for each of these foods varies markedly. North American surveys published over the past 10 years show that among the Big 8, the prevalence of soy allergy is lower than the prevalence of the other 7 foods. Read More

By Mark Messina, PhD, MS, Soy protein is widely used by the food industry for its functional benefits such as enhancing moisture retention. For this reason, considerable diligence is required by those who are allergic to soy protein because it is present in many commonly consumed foods. Fortunately, this diligence is required by relatively few individuals as overall, surveys indicate that the prevalence of soy allergy is lowest among the Big 8 food allergens. Read More

By Carina Venter, PhD, RD, Food allergies (FA) are commonly reported by children and adults. The true prevalence of FA is difficult to determine due to the heterogeneity of immunological presentations (symptoms) and foods involved. The diagnostic work-up also differs for each type of FA. No 2 studies of FA prevalence have used the same methodology. Food challenges or food reintroduction following a period of avoidance is the gold standard for the diagnosis of FA. However, only a minority of studies reporting on FA prevalence have utilized this process as an outcome measure. A meta-analysis of 51 studies showed that self-reported FA varied between 3% and 35%, while confirmed FA ranged from 1% to 10.8% based on oral food challenges, including studies on both children and adults, across the world. In addition to leading to incorrect prevalence rates, overreporting of FA has many negative effects on an individual and global level such as unnecessary dietary restrictions and labeling laws. Most importantly, however, overreporting of FA may cause some who are truly allergic to not be taken seriously. Read More